Margot Lee Shetterly's Hidden Figures is widely praised for uncovering the untold stories of African American women mathematicians at NASA, highlighting their crucial contributions during the Space Race. It is lauded for its thorough research and compelling narrative. However, some critics feel it occasionally lacks depth in personal character development.

Readers who enjoy Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly are likely history enthusiasts, advocates of social justice, and fans of stories highlighting overlooked contributions. They may also appreciate The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot and The Glass Universe by Dava Sobel, which similarly celebrate unsung heroes in science.

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly recounts the untold story of four African American women mathematicians—Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Coleman Goble Johnson, and Christine Darden—who worked at NASA's Langley Research Center and made significant contributions to the space race. Facing racial and gender discrimination, they overcame barriers to achieve groundbreaking success in their fields. The book intertwines their professional achievements with their personal lives and the broader civil rights movement. Topics of racial and gender discrimination are present.

Inspirational / Informative / Hopeful / Contemplative / Heartwarming

- Hidden Figures was developed into an acclaimed movie in 2016, even receiving nominations for prestigious awards like the Oscars.
- Author Margot Lee Shetterly grew up in Hampton, Virginia, where the story is set, and was inspired by the real-life contributions of the women at NASA Langley Research Center.
- The book shines a spotlight on the pivotal roles African American women mathematicians played in the U.S. space race during the 1960s, highlighting a less-known aspect of NASA's history.

**Dorothy Vaughan**  
The first of the main characters to be employed by Langley, Dorothy Vaughan was a talented mathematician who worked in the newly created West Computing Area for African American employees. She became the head of West Computing, showcasing her leadership skills and laying the groundwork for future advancements in electronic computing.

**Katherine Coleman Goble Johnson**  
Katherine Johnson, a mathematical prodigy, joined Langley in the early 1950s and quickly became an integral part of the team, known for her exceptional trajectory calculations which significantly contributed to the success of the American space program. Her work and dedication earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues.

**Mary Jackson**  
Mary Jackson was a determined and talented mathematician, who became NASA’s first female African American engineer after overcoming segregation barriers in education. She later contributed to human resources to help create more opportunities for other women.

**Christine Darden**  
Christine Darden, the youngest of the four, began her career at Langley in the late 1960s, eventually focusing on sonic boom research. Her skills in programming and engineering led to numerous contributions to aeronautics, and she continued to advance her education, earning a doctorate in mechanical engineering.

Margot Lee Shetterly

Adult

Biography

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore Hidden Figures reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Hidden Figures | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Explore Hidden Figures, the inspiring story of African American women mathematicians who played crucial roles at NASA during the Space Race. Access a detailed summary and expert analysis.

Hidden Figures Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 3

Get ready to explore Hidden Figures and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Hidden Figures Prologue-Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-7

Hidden Figures Chapters 4-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-13

Hidden Figures Chapters 8-13 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 14-19

Hidden Figures Chapters 14-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 20-Epilogue

Hidden Figures Chapter 20-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

keyFigure

Key Figures

Hidden Figures Key Figures

theme

Themes

Hidden Figures Themes

Index of Terms

Hidden Figures Index of Terms

quote

citation

character

Important Quotes

Hidden Figures Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Hidden Figures Essay Topics

Introduction

Hidden Figures Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Hidden Figures Before Reading

During Reading

Hidden Figures During Reading

After Reading

Hidden Figures After Reading

Hidden Figures

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Hidden Figures?

Reading Age

Book Details